The marriage of science and optimized HIV care in resource-limited settings

Abstract

Large-scale HIV management in resource-limited settings has been remarkably successful in a relatively short time frame. Once combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) became more universally available national treatment programs were able to provide much of the needed therapy which was originally prioritized towards patients with the most advanced and symptomatic disease. The current worldwide expansion of antiretroviral therapy is due to a large broad-based international effort in financing the antiretroviral drugs and infrastructure required for delivering treatment and care. Control of the HIV pandemic is now the primary objective. We need to learn more about optimal treatment choices and monitoring schemes appropriate in diverse resource-limited settings. We must build upon our existing and extensive knowledge base and target highly relevant research towards the affected populations in the countries where the patients reside. The international scientific community must address this urgent need with academic social scientific and economic support for the necessary critical research and training so desperately needed. (excerpt)